7.5x55mm

[xterrettx]

Does anyone shoot this cartridge. I understand its not really a IHMSA type round but I am really interested in the K31 and am wondering what can be done in the load department.

[Win1917]

I load for a K31 a little bit. IMR 4064 is popular and seems to be one the go to powders in the 7.5 Swiss. I've been using AA2520 with Nosler 168 CC's because I have a lot of it on hand but don't think it's a great choice.

If you haven't bought dies yet I'd go with the Redding K31 dies. As far as I know, all the other brands of dies have more taper to them to match the GP11 surplus ammo. They load easy but over work the shoulder area. The Redding dies are cut to the dimensions of the K31 chamber so don't over work the brass.

Also, when reloading for straight pull rifles it's really not a good idea to hot rod your loads. That's probably not a good idea anyway but especially so with an action that isn't quite a strong as a standard bolt action.

[xterrettx]

I now have a k31 and a far amount of Swiss surplus. The rifle is lovely.
After researching the 7.5x55 a little more I have come across some interesting info that leads to a question.
The 7.5 performs very similarly to a .308 except for a lower pressure spike.
The k31's max pressure is listed at 45,000psi (I believe) that is very similar to a contender.

Has anyone put 7.5x55 in a contender?

The 7.5 has a larger base than 308. It seems to me this could be cool cartridge.
I know people shoot it in encore s but that is not the question.

[7br]

You might go over to castboolits.gunloads.com and post the first question in the military rifle forum. The K31 has a pretty good following over there.

[Win1917]

Has anyone put 7.5x55 in a contender?

It's possible it's been done before but it certainly isn't a safe round to use. In 30 caliber, the 309 JDJ is probably at the top of the heap when it comes to performance in a Contender.